NextEnergy Hosts International Matchmaking Program for Michigan Companies

On November 17, 2009, I attended an event hosted by NextEnergy event called "International Matchmaking & Local Opportunities - Local Technologies & Global Opportunities" at its Detroit facility. Approximately 100 attendees representing suppliers, manufacturers, utilities, consultants and attorneys listened to a variety of speakers identifying how Michigan companies can take advantage of international corporate opportunities in the area of renewable energy. The overriding message was that Michigan companies can take advantage of their resources, physical, technological, and workforce, to prosper on the international stage.

Dean Johnson, Senior Director, Global Business Development, Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, was the master of ceremonies. NextEnergy Chief Executive Officer, Keith Cooley, and staff member, Michelle Soderstam, outlined NextEnergy's services to provide international matchmaking services between Michigan and international companies. With its numerous contacts, NextEnergy appears ready to make connections for Michigan companies that seek to do business overseas.

The event then took a distinct Germanic tone. Klaus Doring of Green Sun Rising, Inc., Rolf Meyer of Harting North America, Dr. Reinhard Hueppe of the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association or ZVEI, and Marco Seibert of Deutsche Messe AG went into great detail on why Michigan companies should go global, why the renewable energy industry is a perfect match for what Michigan industry has to offer, and how Michigan companies can make the important contacts to develop international partnerships.

The speakers encouraged Michigan companies to go global, but to make sure that they are prepared to do the necessary research to make such an effort successful. The current currency situation makes American goods very attractive to foreign purchasers. But, American companies seem to be bashful about moving internationally, thinking perhaps that they are not big enough or valuable enough to attract international partners. However, the speakers concluded that if done correctly and with significant investigation and research into foreign markets and one's competitors, American manufacturers have been and could be quite successful.

The speakers also demonstrated that the technology and skill sets of the automotive industry are quite compatible with that needed for renewable energy, especially wind and solar. The future growth of renewable energy technologies is virtually assured, looking at past and current trends toward diminishing availability of natural resources and increasing world population. As technology is advancing at an exponential rate in terms of efficiency and costs are rapidly decreasing, companies not involved in renewable energy will be left to react as these industries mature. The speakers made it clear that those who involve themselves in renewable energy on an international level will prosper.

The event concluded with a discussion of the world's largest industrial trade fair, Hannover Messe. This trade fair was started by the German government after World War II with the assistance of the American government. It has grown significantly since, encompassing over a million square feet of floor space and showcasing a variety of technologies: renewable energy, nanotechnology, automotive technology, and industrial supply, just to name a few.

Europe is looking for more American participation in this world market. In order to move Michigan forward economically, we will need to look overseas, but must do so strategically and with an understanding of how the world does business, socially, technologically, economically, and legally. NextEnergy and entities like it provide the resources to get this ball rolling.